The best 14 double prams, pushchairs and buggies of 2024, tried and tested by parents and their babies
Choosing a double buggy for a baby and toddler or for twins? Don’t buy anything until you check out our pick of side-by-side and tandem buggies...
Double prams aren't just a must-have if you have twins. They're also a convenient option if you have a baby and a toddler, and the clever convertible options now on offer can also be worth considering when you have your first child, as a way of future-proofing should you go on to extend your family.
Best double prams, buggies and stroller deals and discounts
We know how important finding a good deal is, which is why we're tracking discounts on all our favourite double prams, buggies and strollers to make sure we're helping you save. Our product experts will be keeping these deals updated with any new savings.- Graco Stadium Duo |
£159.95£114.99 at Amazon (Save £44.96 or 28%) - Phil & Teds Sport Double |
£659£449.99 at Kiddies Kingdom (Save £209.01 or 31%) - Cybex Gazelle S |
£1,014.94£799.95 at Samuel Johnston (Save £214.99 or 21%) - Ickle Bubba Venus |
£329£279.65 at Ickle Buba (Save £49.35 or 15%) - Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double |
£509£381.75 at John Lewis (Save £127.25 or 25%) - Mountain Buggy Duet V3 |
£699.95£594.96 at Natural Baby Shower (Save £104.99 or 15%)
Looking for more information about double pushchairs? Use these links to find what you need.
- Here’s our pick of the best tandem and side-by-side double buggies for 2024
- What type of double pushchair do I need?
- What should I look out for when buying a double pushchair?
Looking for more deals on parenting essentials? Check out our best baby Black Friday deals page for some great savings on everything from baby monitors to strollers. We've also go our roundup of the best Black Friday toy deals as well as our lists of the best Yoto Black Friday UK offers and Tonies Black Friday deals.
Best double buggies at a glance
Tandem Buggies
- Best budget tandem buggy: Graco Stadium Duo,
£159.95£114.99 at Amazon (Save £44.96 or 28%) - Best lightweight tandem: Joie Evalite Duo, £240 at Argos
- Best for active families: Phil & Teds Sport Double,
£659£449.99 at Kiddies Kingdom (Save £209.01 or 31%) - Best double buggy designed to grow with your family: iCandy Orange 4, £1,099 at Natural Baby Shower
- Best for storage capacity: Cybex Gazelle S,
£1,014.94£799.95 at Samuel Johnston (Save £214.99 or 21%) - Best carrycot: iCandy Peach 7, from £1,397 at Samuel Johnston
- Best for newborn and toddler(s): UPPAbaby Vista V2,
£999.99£639 at Kiddies Kingdom (Save £360.99 or 36%)
Side-by-side buggies
- Best value: Joie Aire Twin, from £175 at Argos
- Best for families on a budget: My Babiie Dani Dyer Black Geometric Double Stroller, £129 at Olivers Baby Care
- Best budget side-by-side double: Ickle Bubba Venus,
£329£279.65 at Ickle Buba (Save £49.35 or 15%) - Best for easy fold: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double,
£509£381.75 at John Lewis (Save £127.25 or 25%) - Best for families with young children of different ages: Leclerc Influencer with duo connector, £383.47 per pushchair at Leclerc
- Best for narrow doorways: Mountain Buggy Duet V3,
£699.95£594.96 at Natural Baby Shower (Save £104.99 or 15%) - Best for growing families: Bugaboo Donkey 5 (Duo mode), £1,530 £1,300.50 at John Lewis (Save £229.50 or 15%)
Here’s our pick of the best tandem and side-by-side double buggies for 2024
Tandem buggies below £600
1. Graco Stadium Duo, £159.95
Best budget tandem buggy
Suitable for: Birth to 15kg (lie-flat recline in rear seat only though) | Can be used with carrycots: No | Travel system compatible: Yes | Weight: 13.79kg | Dimensions unfolded: L123cm x W56.5cm x H107.5cm | Dimensions folded: L128cm x W56.5cm x H41cm | Number of seating configurations: 3 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.2 stars
Pros:
- Good-quality upholstery
- Nice features for the price point
- Innovative design to incorporate elevated rear seat
- Travel-system compatible
Cons:
- Harder to manoeuvre than other tandems
- Can veer on sloping surfaces
- Only one seat reclines to a fully flat position
Don’t be put off by the eye-catching price point of this tandem – Graco have still managed to throw in a couple of lovely luxuries. MFM reviewer Sarah said her boys – a toddler of 3 and baby of 9 months – loved the play trays, while she loved the massive underslung shopping basket.
A really lovely feature is that by the time your little ones are a bit older, there’s no consolation seat with this buggy. The name comes from the raised stadium-style seating so that it’s not just the child in the front seat who gets to enjoy the views. And the fold is pretty slick too, with a twist mechanism on the handle that means it can be done one-handed (with practice!).
As you might expect with a tandem at the lower end of the price scale though, it’s neither the smallest nor the lightest. Sarah said, “With the older child at the front, you need quite a bit of upper body strength to tilt the pushchair. The Graco Stadium Duo is easy to push, but heavy on the steering, especially with a 3-year-old on board.”
Read the full MadeForMums review of the Graco Stadium Duo
Available from: Graco and Amazon
2. Joie Evalite Duo, £240
Best lightweight tandem
Suitable for: Birth to 15kg (lie-flat recline in rear seat only) | Can be used with carrycots: No | Travel system compatible: Yes | Weight: 11.24kg | Dimensions unfolded: L120cm x W56.5cm x H115cm | Dimensions folded: L45cm x W56.5cm x H99cm | Number of seating configurations: 2 | MFM Review Star Rating: 3.8 stars
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Compact fold
- Good value for money
- Travel-system compatible
Cons:
- Baby is far away from you
- Not easy to manoeuvre with one hand
At just over 11kg, the Joie Evalite Duo is definitely at the lighter end of the scale, making it a great choice if you’re lifting and moving it often. On the road it handles well and is easy to push. With such a lightweight buggy though, there’s bound to be compromises – it’s trickier than other models on rough or uneven terrain.
MFM reviewer Helen has 19-month-old twins and said that while it’s narrow, it’s also on the long side – so it can be hard to see the front when you’re pushing it. But she said, “I love the seat units. My twins fit in them nicely with plenty of room to spare. The seats are padded for comfort and they recline easily and independently. The seats are very high up too, which means both twins can see clearly – unlike other tandem buggies where the rear or bottom child has a limited view.”
We found the frame felt less sturdy than other models, which might make it a good holiday or second buggy – especially as it’s relatively compact when folded. But for the money it’s an impressive buggy. Helen added, “I loved how lightweight this was, without feeling flimsy. It was ideal for the quick walk to pre-school on normal pavements, but it’s not great off-road on gravel or cobbles.”
Read the full MadeForMums review of the Joie Evalite Duo
Available from: Argos
3. Phil & Teds Sport Double, from £659
Best for active families
Suitable for: Birth to 20kg | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Weight: 12kg | Dimensions unfolded: L114cm x W58cm x H112cm | Dimensions folded: L92cm x W58cm x H44cm | Number of seating configurations: 2 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.3 stars
Pros:
- Sleek and lightweight yet sturdy
- Reversible handle for parent’s comfort
- Travel-system compatible
- Nice fabrics and design
Cons:
- Head clearance is quite low if your older child is tall
- Your baby can’t face you in double buggy mode
With the addition of Phil & Teds’ nifty double kit (you can buy both together though), the Sport transforms into a pretty slick tandem three-wheeler double. The air-filled tyres and all-wheel suspension mean it should cope well on all terrains and – as the name suggests – if you’re into jogging or looking for a bit more adventure than simply nipping round the shops.
MFM reviewer Sarah found it both stylish and practical with her toddler and baby sons, and said, “The doubles kit is really easy to put on or take off and many mums online agree this is a very handy feature as we all know how fickle toddlers can be. One minute they want to walk, the next they are too tired.”
As a single the seat can be parent-facing; as a double both kiddos face forwards.
Sarah has taken the Sport Double on the bus, train, tube, taxi and boat with no drama. It’s heavy to bump up stairs, though, and she points out that all the extras have to be bought separately. Having said that, she adds, “It’s so easy to adjust you can change configurations at your whim. It’s a great price for a top-of-the-range buggy.”
Read the full MadeForMums review of the Phil & Teds Sport Double
Available from: Kiddies Kingdom
Tandem buggies £1000+
4. iCandy Orange 4, from £1,258
Best double buggy designed to grow with your family
Suitable for: Birth to 25 kg | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Weight: 12.3kg | Dimensions unfolded: L83cm x W62cm x H112cm | Dimensions folded: L:87 x W:62 x H:28cm | Number of seating configurations: 30+
Pros:
- Stylish
- Easy to assemble and use
- Great maneuverability
- Comfortable
- Easily switches from single to double
Cons:
- More expensive than some models
- No carry handle for chassis
- Carrycot placement when using with toddler seat
- Sometimes challenging to fold down
- Heavy when in double mode
With lots of unique features such as a built-in ride-on board, ‘cinema seating’ and a massive 30+ seating configurations, the Orange is a popular choice when it comes doubles.
You could say it’s the only buggy you’ll ever need. Even if you have children of different ages it can convert from single to double simply so will grow with your family, up to a third child.
"The iCandy Orange 4 is a seriously high quality single/double pram offering," noted MFM reviewer Jessica. "It is sturdy, plush, pushes incredibly well across a mix of terrains and is super stylish."
Another impressive feature is the integrated ride-on board which can hold up to 20kg.
Combine all this with improved suspension that makes light work of kerbs and an adjustable handlebar, and it’s comfort all the way – as you’d expect from iCandy.
Available from: Samuel Johnston, Natural Baby Shower, Kiddies Kingdom and iCandy
5. Cybex Gazelle S, £1,019.90
Best for storage capacity
Suitable for: Birth to 22 kg | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Weight: 12.9kg | Dimensions unfolded: L93-106cm x W65cm x H100-110cm | Dimensions folded: L32cm x W56cm x H74.5cm | Number of seating configurations: 20+ | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.5
Pros:
- Loads of storage
- Folds with seats
- Adapters built-in
- Travel-system compatible
Cons:
- Heavy at the front in some configurations
The Gazelle S combines streamlined design with a competitive price tag and lots of well thought-out details. Perhaps most important is the fact it comes with adapters built into the frame so changing between seats and carrycots is simple. It can also be folded with two seats in place, and adapters allow it to be used with infant car seats too.
Cybex is known for innovation and this single-to-double is no exception. It takes advantage of the convertible chassis to allow parents the option to use it in single mode with a large shopping basket. This sits behind the seat in parent-facing mode, for easy access and extra storage (a whopping 23kg combined with the underseat basket). It's an innovative addition, but our reviewer Sophie did notice that the pushchair felt "slightly more cumbersome to move around" in this configuration.
The seats and carrycot are sleek and minimalist in design, giving the whole buggy a very streamlined look. Our reviewer loved the extendable hood on the seat unit, which "extends with a zip right down to the bumper bar of the seat unit and has a nifty viewing/ventilation mesh window." Overall, this is a very stylish and high-performing model that's great if you want extra storage. Home tester Rebecca, mum of a baby and toddler, said, "The Gazelle is a great buggy: compact, slimline, configurable and easy to use."
Read the full MadeForMums Cybex Gazelle S pushchair review
Available from: Samuel Johnston and Cybex
6. iCandy Peach 7, from £1,149
Best carrycot
Suitable for: Birth (with carrycot) to 25kg (15kg on elevators) | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Weight: 12.9kg | Dimensions unfolded: L75cm x W61cm x H95-105cm | Dimensions folded: L70cm x W61cm x H29cm | Number of seating configurations: 25 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.7 stars
Pros:
- One-handed fold
- Carry cot suitable for permanent overnight sleeping
- Travel-system compatible
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
Now in its seventh generation, the iconic iCandy Peach is popular among image-conscious parents, and you can see why. It’s an attractive bit of kit and is ideal for those with a growing family, or with twins, who want something narrow.
And the Peach’s carrycot is wonderful – luxurious, spacious and lined with fleece. With the Gen-7 version, the carrycot has been updated and approved for overnight sleeping – making it really convenient for overnight trips. It also has a large and sturdy SPF50+ hood that can be extended to give your baby some extra shade.
MFM reviewer Cher, mum to a 4 month old and 2 year old, said she noticed the Peach’s soft and luxurious fabric straight away. She said, “I love that the carrycot has been approved for overnight sleeping, as it gives peace of mind that my baby is sleeping in a safe place. Usually, when my daughter falls asleep in her pram I move her into her cot as soon as we get home, but with the Peach 7 I felt confident leaving her to sleep in the carrycot.”
Her toddler was equally comfy in the seat unit. She highlighted the cushioning and fleece-lined footmuff (included in the bundle) as especially nice touches. Another of the key features iCandy boasts about is its one-handed fold - there is definitely a knack to this but Cher said the with practice it’s simple.
Once collapsed the chassis is free-standing rather than lying flat which makes it great for storage. Although you still have to store the seat or carrycot separately.
The Peach also comes with elevators so the seat unit can be positioned higher and closer to parent eye-level. MFM reviewer Alice added that it was certainly a comfortable ride,“Whether upright or reclined she didn’t loll to one side as she can in less supportive pushchair seats. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look so comfortable!”
Read the full MadeForMums iCandy Peach 7 review
Available from: Samuel Johnston, Mamas & Papas and Kiddies Kingdom
7. Uppababy Vista V2, £999.95
Best for newborn and toddler(s)
Suitable for: Birth to 22kg for upper seat / 3 months to 15kg for lower seat | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Weight: 16.4kg (pushchair with carrycot) | Dimensions unfolded: L91.4cm x W65.3cm x H100.3cm | Dimensions folded: (with seat attached) L44cm x W65.3cm x H100.3cm (without seat attached) L33 x W65.3 x H81.3 | Number of seating configurations: 9 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.6 stars
Pros:
- Large basket
- Both toddlers have great view outwards
- Extendable pop-out sunshade
- Travel-system compatible
Cons:
- Expensive
- More cumbersome to move when used as a double
The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can carry twins, a baby and a toddler or even three kids with the addition of UPPA’s ‘PiggyBack’ board (which you buy separately for around £120).
And one of its key features is that unlike some other double buggies, it offers configurations that allow both children to face outwards with the rear seat elevated, so you avoid the ‘stacking’ issue where the child on the bottom gets stuck with no view.
It has all-wheel suspension which makes the ride a smooth one for the children, and easy to manoeuvre. MFM reviewer Jade tested it with her own toddler, plus friends’ two babies (9 months and 2 months). She said, “My toddler absolutely loves being up high in this buggy and holding on to the support bar, as he mimics me as we’re walking along. Another great feature is just how quickly the seat can be turned to face the world or the parent.
“Even with 2 children in, it’s easy to turn with one hand, it feels sturdy and well constructed. I took it over tree roots in the forest, over potholes, up kerbs, through long grass – and this buggy had no problems at all.”
The carrycot is bigger in the new model so will last longer, is suitable for overnight sleeping and can be released from the buggy with one-hand. But when in the double configuration with the carrycot and toddler seat, the carrycot has to go underneath.
And of course, what all owners of a Vista rave about — the size of the basket underneath. UPPAbaby says it has a capacity of 13.6kg. That is heavier than the buggy itself, so think of everything you can put in it!
Read the full MadeForMums review of the UPPAbaby Vista V2
Available from: Natural Baby Shower, Kiddies Kingdom and John Lewis
Here's our pick of the best side-by-side double pushchairs
Side-by-side buggies below £600
8. Joie Aire Twin, £175
Best value
Suitable for: Birth to 15kg | Can be used with carrycots: No | Travel system compatible: No | Weight: 12.1kg | Dimensions unfolded: L80.5cm x W77cm x H102cm | Dimensions folded: L78cm x W30.5cm x H98.5cm | Number of seating configurations: 1 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.5
Pros:
- Good value
- Individually reclining seats
- One hand fold
- Generous basket
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit in all car boots
- No division between seats
- Handlebar doesn’t adjust
- Not carrycot or car seat compatible
The Joie Aire Twin is an affordable and easy-to-fold stroller ideal for both twins and siblings of different ages, as the seats recline separately so a baby can lie flat whilst their older sibling can be upright. MFM reviewer Jenny praised the Aire Twin for this feature, “They’re very easy to recline and pop back into the upright position with the minimum of fuss. With the leg rests and the full recline, I would be confident that my boys would be able to have a good nap in the buggy.”
At just 12.1kg it is really lightweight and easy to push on even, flat surfaces. However Jenny mentioned she struggled to mount kerbs due to the small wheels. She said, “I used all my weight to push down on the handlebar and I simply could not get the wheels up – instead, I had to reverse up every kerb. Having said that, my husband tried and had no issue.”
One of its star features is the one-handed fold which also one of Jenny’s favourite elements of the Aire Twin, “I am so impressed with how easy and quick the Joie Aire Twin is to fold and put up. As Joie promises, it really is a quick, one-hand fold.” Once folded, it’s also freestanding – great for packing it away when you’re not using it. It also comes in a couple of eye-catching colour ways, which is a nice detail at this price point.
Read our full MadeForMums review of the Joie Aire Twin
Available from: Argos, Smyths Toys and Baby and Child Store
9. My Babiie Dani Dyer Black Geometric Double Stroller, from £129.99
Best for families on a budget
Suitable for: Birth to 15kg (each seat) | Can be used with carrycots: No | Travel system compatible: No | Weight: 11.7kg | Dimensions unfolded: L77cm x W77cm x H105cm | Dimensions folded: L105cm x W45cm x H25cm | Number of seating configurations: 1
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to fold,
- Extra-long hoods
- Lots of accessories
Cons:
- Brake can be tricky to apply
- Not the sturdiest double buggy
- Seats are shallow so won’t suit older children
- Not travel-system compatible
Love Island star and mum of 3 (including twins) Dani Dyer has collaborated with My Babiie to put her name to the Geometric double stroller as part of her ‘Cherish’ range. With its diamond-print fabric, it’s a stylish choice although as you’d expect with such a tiny price tag it’s not the sturdiest double buggy on our list. Having said that, it sports some nice touches like pockets in each of the hoods and a seriously lightweight frame.
There are plenty of recline positions and 2-position adjustable leg rests, and so offers more versatility than you might expect for the price. My Babiie says the stroller can be used from birth in the lie-flat position, but for a newborn you may want to invest in the cosy toes (£24.99 each) to keep tiny ones a little more cocooned.
Our home tester Lisa said that, for the price, she felt this was a good-quality buggy. She was testing it with her 18-month-old twins, and said, "I found it easy to get it up and down curbs. I wouldn't be able to push it one handed, however being a double buggy I wouldn't expect to. It's great on tarmac but on uneven terrain, like getting it through the local park's wood chippings was very difficult!
"The brake is a disappointing feature. It's hard to put on and off and rattles when the buggy is in motion. But it has a lot of positive features, like the storage, ease to put up and down and the level of comfort it gives my twins for short journeys."
Available from: Olivers Baby Centre
10. Ickle Bubba Venus, from £329
Best budget side-by-side double
Suitable for: Birth (when used with newborn cocoon, sold separately) to 15kg | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: No | Weight: 13.4kg | Dimensions unfolded: L99.5cm x W74.5cm x H105cm | Dimensions folded: L76cm x W74cm x H30cm | Number of seating configurations: 4
Pros:
- Very versatile for the price
- Extra-large shopping basket
- Nice accessories can be purchased separately
Cons:
- Heavier than other side-by-side double buggies
- Narrow range of fabric choices
- Not travel-system compatible
There’s a lot to admire about the Venus, both in terms of the in-the-box product and the extras you can buy to customise it to your needs. It comes with a full-length rain cover and the standard stroller seats are quilted with a variety of recline positions. The seats can be adjusted independently to keep everyone happy when you’re out and about.
It’s not as light as other models in our list but it does sport a good-sized shopping basket, as well as front and rear suspension to help you navigate uneven surfaces a little more easily. Best of all, there’s a two-gate opening bumper to make it really easy to get your little ones in and out.
If you’re using this with a newborn (or newborns) you’ll need the newborn cocoon (£59 each), which creates an enclosed, lie-flat space for your little one. You can attach two cocoons side by side to convert the Venus into a twin pram, and they’ve also rejigged the design to mean you can attach the cocoon to face either way, which is a really neat trick for a double pushchair of this price. Other nice accessories include the fleecy padded seat liner – you have to buy them separately, but at £24 they’re reasonably priced.
Available from: Kiddies Kingdom and Ickle Bubba
11. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double, from £509
Best for easy fold
Suitable for: Birth to 15kg in each seat | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: No | Weight: 10.5kg | Dimensions unfolded: L94.5cm x W66.5cm x H102.5cm | Dimensions folded: L63cm x W66.5cm x H25cm | Number of seating configurations: ‘Multi’ | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.8 | Awards: Gold, MadeForMums Awards 2023
Pros:
- Easy and compact fold
- Narrow
- Lightweight for a double
Cons:
- Not travel-system compatible
- Fixed height handlebar
- Narrow seats
The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double is one of the narrowest side-by-side buggies on the market at 66.5cm so is able to go through most doorways. It features an ultra-compact fold, making it handy for storage at home or in your car boot, and is great to push on urban streets.
Both of these were important features MFM tester and a parent of twins, Hannah, who said, “For a parent of twins and/or more I think this buggy has huge appeal, because of the ease to fold down and it fitting through doorways, along with the cost I think it’s a great choice.”
The City Tour 2 Double can’t be used as a travel system with car seats, but you can put two carrycots on it to use from birth. Due to how narrow and compact the buggy is though the carrycots are quite small and the seats rather narrow making it a “squeeze past four months”, MFM Editorial Director Susie Boone found.
MFM reviewer Kirstie agreed, saying her baby was filling it from just 9 weeks old. She said, “My son isn’t a particularly big baby, but now at 14 weeks old I find it’s a bit of a squeeze.” However the seats do recline to a flat position so babies under six months can lie flat – a handy option if your baby outgrows the small-sized carrycot.”
But it’s the one-handed fold that really sets the City Tour apart. Kirstie said, “The City Tour 2 Double is an absolute dream to fold. It does take a bit of practice but it’s very easy when you know how and several people remarked on how smart the folding mechanism was.” You can’t fold it with the carrycot attached, but the mechanism for attaching and removing the cot is “genius”, according to Kirstie. And once folded, the pushchair is compact and has two handy straps to make it easy to lift and place in the car boot.
Read our full MadeForMums review of the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 double
Available from: Natural Baby Shower, Kiddies Kingdom, John Lewis
Side-by-side buggies £600-£1000
12. Leclerc Influencer with Duo Connector, £383.47 per pushchair
Best for families with young children of different ages
Suitable for: Birth (with bassinet, sold separately) to 22kg | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: No | Weight: 6.6kg per pushchair | Dimensions unfolded: L61cm x W47cm x H101.5cm | Dimensions folded: L24cm x W47cm x H56cm | Number of seating configurations: 4 | Awards: Editor's Choice, MadeForMums Awards 2023
Pros:
- Really versatile
- Quick and easy to fold/unfold
Cons:
- Wider than regular doubles
- Bassinet and adaptors are sold separately
- Not travel-system compatible
The more we played around with the Leclerc Baby Duo Connector and a pair of Influencer strollers, the more we began to imagine situations when it would be really useful. The 3 connectors (sold separately, £74.20) turn 2 single pushchairs into a double buggy – and it can be unclipped in a matter of seconds.
We felt that if you like the design of a side-by-side double with the convenience of a single-to-double this is what you get from Leclerc. Use the 2 buggies separately, or clip them together for an extra option. And if you already own an Influencer it’s a cost-effective way of upgrading. Having said that, the optional bassinet comes in at £262 and the adaptors are £53 – both of which you’ll need for newborns.
Parent tester Georgette tested the Influencer and duo connector with their 3-year-old son and 6-month-old daughter and said, “I mainly use it as a double pram for the nursery run as I quickly adapt it into a single buggy after I’ve dropped my son off. As it’s so compact when folded down, the nursery staff kindly let me leave one pushchair there and then I collect it when I pick him up and turn it into a double buggy for the journey home.” Smart thinking!
Read our full MadeForMums Leclerc Influencer review (including section on using it as a double) here
Available from: Leclerc Baby
13. Mountain Buggy Duet, £709
Best for narrow doorways
Suitable for: Birth to 18kg | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Weight: 15.5kg | Dimensions unfolded: L106cm x W63cm x H101.5cm | Dimensions folded: L96cm x W63cm x H30cm | Number of seating configurations: 7
Pros:
- Very narrow
- Performs well on multiple terrains
- Useful handbrake
Cons:
- Heavy to lift
- Hard to assemble
Created by a New Zealand dad who wanted to enjoy mountain trails with his children, the Mountain Buggy Duet is the slimmest side-by-side on the market, at 63cm, with a footprint the same as a single buggy. This makes it ideal for parents who are worried about fitting through narrow doorways or on public transport.
It’s not the quickest of buggies to assemble but once done, the suspension of the air-filled tyres provides a dream to push on all manner of terrains. Nothing fazes it, and its manoeuvrability is superb as MFM reviewer Sybilla found, “You won’t have any problems changing direction or lifting the Duet onto the pavement or kerb, as not only is it light, it’s easy to steer and can change direction at the drop of a hat.”
One of the Duet’s handy key features is also its handbrake on the adjustable handlebar, a welcome addition when pushing two children down a hill.
Although it’s light to push, it’s not so light to lift once folded, at 15.5kg. It doesn’t have a compact fold, although it is easy to fold down albeit with two hands. But the fact it can fit anywhere when pushing makes up for its bulk in the car boot.
Read our full MadeForMums Mountain Buggy Duet review
Available from: Natural Baby Shower and Kiddies Kingdom
Side-by-side buggies £1,000+
14. Bugaboo Donkey 5 (Duo mode), from £1,530
Best for growing families
Suitable for: Birth to 22kg | Can be used with carrycots: Yes | Travel system compatible: Yes | Weight: 14.9kg in Duo/Twin configuration | Dimensions unfolded: L111cm x W74cm x H85-106cm | Dimensions folded: (two-piece) L89cm x W60cm x H35cm (one-piece, self-standing) L52cm x W74cm x H90cm | Number of seating configurations: 17 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.8
Pros:
- Versatile
- Great build quality
- Copes with multiple terrains
- Travel-system compatible
Cons:
- One of the more expensive side-by-side doubles on the market
- Bulky when folded down
The Donkey 5 comes in three modes – the Mono for a newborn or a toddler, the Duo for a newborn and a toddler or 2 toddlers, and the Twin for 2 newborns or 2 toddlers. Once you’ve got your head around the configuration that’s best suited for your family, there’s a lot to enjoy. We looked at the Duo.
The clever frame expands widthways to accommodate the extra seat (in Mono mode it’s narrower but has space for a shopping basket alongside your child). If you have twins it can be used as a double buggy straight away, as it will also take 2 carrycots or car seats.
This newest model, the Donkey 5, has been improved to feature a higher seat and also brings your child slightly closer to you to make it easier to reach them. The upgraded carrycot (included) has better ventilation for extra breathability (although it’s not recommended for overnight sleeping), and the folding mechanism has been improved as well. There’s also a dizzying array of standard colour combinations (21!), plus another 2 in the premium range. Like the previous version, it also takes on a variety of terrains with ease.
MFM reviewer Kirstie tested it with her sons, aged 5 months and 28 months and said it was clear from the start that this is a quality product. She added, “What makes the Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo unique is its 3-click system to transform it from single to duo or twin configuration, and I was pleasantly surprised that it really was as simple as that.”
With the Bugaboo reputation for quality, it’s no surprise that you get a lot in the box, including the carrycot, rain covers and 2 baskets. Another handy feature is that you can fold it with the seats attached, but it’s not really a slimline fold – even if you take the wheels off.
Read our full MadeForMums Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo review
Available from: Bugaboo and John Lewis
What type of double pushchair do I need?
The first thing to consider is whether you're looking for a traditional side-by-side buggy, or a modern tandem design (one seat in front of the other). We’ve split our product list into 2 groups to make it as easy as possible to compare.
Tandem buggies are usually convertible from single to double (although some are doubles only). They often start out as a pushchair with a single seat or carrycot (a “single-to-double” pushchair). Adapters can then be used to add a second seat, a carrycot or (in some cases) a car seat to the frame. Your children sit one in front of the other, and you'll probably find that there are a number of seat configurations to try. And of course, if you’re adding a seat you can also take it away again and return to a single as your older child begins to walk more or prefers a buggy board.
This type of double buggy is the same width as a single pushchair, making them narrower for getting through doorways. The downside is they can be long and are often heavy to push and difficult to manoeuvre up and down kerbs due to all that front-loaded weight.
MFM home tester Kayleigh says a single-to-double works perfectly for her. She said, "with a single-to-double, you’re not lumbered with a cumbersome double once one child is walking more, and it also ‘future proofs’ your pram so you spend less in the long run."
Side-by-side buggies have the children positioned side by side, meaning both children have the same view, but it does tend to make the pushchair's footprint wider overall. As they typically offer 2 fixed seats, people often think of them as an option for twins, but they can work for kids of different ages too.
Most have seats that can be adjusted independently (so one child can lie flat while the other sits up) and some can have carrycots attached. While most side-by-sides are fixed as double pushchairs, a few can convert to a single buggy with a basket beside them, like the Bugaboo Donkey 5 for example.
MFM home tester Ijeoma says her boys both preferred to be seated side by side. “It meant they could see each other and had better views.”
Despite their width, most side-by-side pushchairs will still fit through a standard door, and with the weight more evenly distributed, they’re easier to get up and down kerbs.
We’ve included both tandem and side-by-side options in our list below so if you’re not sure what you’d like we have more information available on the pros and cons of each type of double buggy.
What should I look out for when buying a double pushchair?
Does it work from birth? – If you're planning to put a newborn baby (or babies) in your double pushchair, you'll need to make sure there's a way for them to lie completely flat. Most likely, this will mean using carrycot, although some pushchairs have seats that can lie completely flat. Do check this carefully, as some pushchairs advertised as "lie flat" still sit at a slight angle.
Is it a travel system? – If you drive a lot you may want a frame that can be adapted to take infant car seats. This option is more common with tandem pushchairs, although you may need to buy additional adapters, and not all car seats will fit all buggies. If you're not prepared to buy a branded car seat to match your buggy, the so-called "universal" adapters tend to work with seats from Cybex, BeSafe and Maxi-Cosi.
What configurations are there? – Although you're limited with side-by-side pushchairs, most tandems offer a large number of seating configurations. Consider how easy it is to see your children, particularly a newborn in a carrycot. Charlotte Gelstharp, from leading baby retailer Natural Baby Shower, points out that a reversible seat offers versatility.
How much does it weigh? – Anything that carries two children is going to be heavy, especially if one of those children is a 12kg+ toddler. Do look into the overall weight of the pushchair (including seats / carrycots) as this could be a big deciding factor.
How wide or long is it? – Although side-by-side pushchairs are designed to be as narrow as possible, they won't fit through all doorways or hallways so if yours are narrow, check those measurements! The same goes for the length of a tandem buggy: if you have a couple of steps up to your porch or a short entranceway, you could really struggle if you buy the wrong one.
How long will it last? – Most doubles will have a maximum weight per seat, and possibly for the total frame, plus different seats and carrycots accommodate different heights. If your children are in the higher percentiles, do consider the upper limits as approximate ages given aren't always to be trusted.
What's the storage like? – Because they tend to be larger overall, most double pushchairs come with generous shopping baskets, but access may be partially blocked off in certain configurations.
What accessories are provided? – When you're using multiple seat configurations, purchasing lots of additional accessories like rain covers, mosquito nets and so on can quickly add up, so check what comes provided as standard.
How does it fold? – When you’re moving two little ones around is, can you fold your buggy with one hand or does it require both? If storage space is an issue, you might want to look for one that can fold with the seat removed, making it more compact. But that’s not a hard-and-fast rule – some with fixed seats still enjoy a more compact fold. With others you can take the wheels off, and some fold with handy shoulder straps accessible so it’s easy to pick up. Whatever your preference, we’ve listed the folded dimensions at the top of each profile.
How much does a double pushchair cost?
One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a double buggy is cost. Luckily good double buggies come with a wide range of price tags, but bear in mind that buying a reputable and well-known brand (within budget of course) will maximise the resale value.
A MadeForMums survey found that 81% of parents spent between £100 and £999 on a double buggy. A quarter of those surveyed purchased one for between £100 and £299, with only 6% spending over £1,000.
How we chose and tested these pushchairs
When testing double pushchairs we consider comfort for both children and parents, weight, size, folded size, wheel type, folding mechanism, fabrications, longevity and whether they are worth the money.
Our lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews, testing undertaken during the MadeForMums Awards, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Each year thousands of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations.
Our list is not an ordered ranking from 1-10, instead it is a carefully selected group of tried-and-tested products, each of which we believe is best for a different situation or requirement. We don’t just tell you what is best, we help you discover what is best for your family.
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